Update on ocular tuberculosis

Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis presenting as uveitis based on stochastic simulation in systems biology

Tuberculous uveitis can be a manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis or an allergic reaction to tuberculosis infection. The clinical signs and symptoms of other uveitis causes are generic, making a false diagnosis simple. We present a brief introduction to theoretical modelling and simulation in systems biology and explore the consequences of TB uveitis if left untreated. Patients were admitted to our hospital with recurrent fever. They had a previous definitive diagnosis of binocular uveitis and a positive interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) test result. At the time, there was no antituberculosis medicine available, and immunosuppressive and glucocorticoid therapy did not work. After the admission, their pleural fluid tested positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. No other causes to explain the fever were found. A diagnosis of tuberculosis was made, and their body temperature normalized after antituberculosis treatment and closed chest drainage. Vigilance should be exercised to rule out tuberculous uveitis in cases of unexplained uveitis; this calls for IGRA screening, tuberculin skin testing, and cyst imaging. For patients with latent tuberculosis infections, it is recommended to administer antituberculosis treatment, after excluding other possible causes, and to avoid using glucocorticoids in isolation.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Tubercular Uveitis in Taiwan - Consensus of Expert Panels

There is currently a lack of guidelines with regard to tubercular uveitis (TBU) management in Taiwan. We therefore propose an evidence-based consensus on the management for TBU. The Taiwan Ocular Inflammation Society conducted a meeting that included nine ophthalmologist and one infection disease expert that focused on three broad areas of (1) nomenclature for TBU, (2) assessment and diagnosis for TBU, and (3) treatment of TBU. Brief literature review on TBU diagnosis and management was conducted that informed this panel meeting in order to make decisions on each consensus statements. In terms of our results, a consensus statements and recommendations for the diagnosis and management of TBU were developed. This consensus statement provides an algorithmic approach toward diagnosing and managing TBU. These statements are meant to enhance but not replace individual clinician-patient interactions and to facilitate real-world clinical practice improvement in terms of TBU patients care.

Intraocular tuberculosis masquerading as ocular tumor: A case report

Tuberculosis is one of the most common pediatric problems, especially in the developing world. In spite of that, intraocular tuberculosis is a rare disease that can easily be confused with other noninfectious processes, even in regions where tuberculosis is rampant. Diagnosis is difficult, yet it is very important to provide effective antituberculosis treatment and avoid potentially sight-losing interventions. We present a case of a 2-year-old child with a positive contact history of tuberculosis who presented with progressively worsening seizures and constitutional symptoms for 6 months. Brain computed tomography revealed right frontotemporal region conglomerated ring-enhancing lesions with central necrosis consistent with tuberculosis. On the same scan, a calcified right retinal lesion with a contrast-enhancing soft tissue component was identified. A chest radiograph and abdominal sonography showed evidence of disseminated tuberculosis. Subsequently, antituberculosis treatment was initiated, and the right retinal lesion improved, thus leading to the imaging diagnosis of right intraocular tuberculosis. Early and accurate diagnosis of retinal tuberculosis is of paramount importance in avoiding potentially catastrophic interventions. Neuroimaging is a useful, noninvasive method to consider this difficult diagnosis and also for follow-up.

Systemic prime exacerbates the ocular immune response to heat-killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Post-infectious uveitis describes the condition of chronic immune mediated ocular inflammation associated with pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Mtb associated post-infectious uveitis can be modeled in mice by intravitreal injection of heat-killed Mtb (HKMtb). To better understand how prior systemic exposure to the pathogen alters the local immune response to Mtb, we used flow cytometry and multiplex ELISAs to compare ocular responses to intravitreal HKMtb in the presence or absence of a systemic "prime" of HKMtb. Priming resulted in exacerbation of local inflammation with significantly increased clinical and histologic inflammation scores and increased vitreous cytokines concentrations one day after intravitreal injection of HKMtb. Seven days after injection, uveitis in unprimed animals had largely resolved. In contrast in primed animals, clinical signs of chronic inflammation were associated with a significant increase in the number of ocular T cells, NK cells, and Ly6Chi macrophages and increasing vitreous concentrations of IL-17, VEGF, MIG(CXCL9), IP-10(CXCL10), IL-12p40 and MIP-1α(CCL3). In mice lacking mature T and B cells (RAG2 deficient), the impact of priming on the ocular immune response was ameliorated with significantly lower vitreous cytokine concentrations and spontaneous resolution of uveitis. Altogether these results suggest that the ocular response to Mtb is exacerbated by prior systemic Mtb infection and chronic post-infectious uveitis is mediated by local production of cytokines and chemokines that amplify Th17 and Th1 responses. This mouse model of chronic Mtb associated uveitis will help elucidate mechanisms of disease in patients with post-infectious uveitis.

Presumed Latent Tuberculosis-related Intermediate Uveitis Manifesting as Recurrent Vitreous Hemorrhage

Purpose: We report a case of recurrent vitreous hemorrhage in a patient with presumed latent tuberculosis-related intermediate uveitis, and we review the literature.Case summary: A 58-year-old male visited our clinic complaining of ocular pain, conjunctival hyperemia, decreased vision, and uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) in the left eye. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.4 and the IOP of the left eye was 34 mmHg. Slit lamp examination revealed conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema, and inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber and anterior vitreous; fundus examination revealed mild vitreous opacity attributable to vitritis. The high IOP and the intraocular inflammation were treated with antiglaucoma agents and corticosteroids under the impression of chronic anterior uveitis and uveitic glaucoma. Of the tests performed to identify the cause of the uveitis-related vitreous hemorrhage, the interferon-gamma release assay was positive. A presumptive diagnosis of latent tuberculosis-related uveitis was made after pulmonary tuberculosis was excluded by our respiratory internal medicine department. Isoniazid was administered for 9 months. The vitreous hemorrhage recurred 1 month after antituberculosis therapy commenced but, at 2 months, all of the hemorrhage was absorbed and the BCVA improved to 1.0 without further recurrence.Conclusions: Intraocular tuberculosis can present with various clinical manifestations. If tuberculosis-related uveitis is presumed, tests for latent and manifest tuberculosis should be scheduled to allow of early diagnosis and immediate antituberculosis therapy.

Clinical Manifestations and Outcomes of Tubercular Uveitis in Taiwan—A Ten-Year Multicenter Retrospective Study

Background andObjectives: This 10-year multicenter retrospective study reviewed the clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests, and treatment modalities of tubercular uveitis (TBU), including direct infection and indirect immune-mediated hypersensitivity to mycobacterial antigens in Taiwan. Materials and Methods: This retrospective chart review of patients with TBU was conducted at 11 centers from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2017. We used a multiple regression model to analyze which factors influenced best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement. Results: A total of 79 eyes from 51 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 48.9 ± 16.4 years. The mean change of LogMAR BCVA at last visit was −0.21 ± 0.45. Diagnostic tools used include chest X-ray, chest computed tomography, Mantoux test, interferon gamma release test (QuantiFERON-TB Gold test), intraocular fluid tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction, and bronchial alveolar lavage. The clinical manifestations included 48% posterior uveitis and 37% panuveitis. In the sample, 55% of the cases were bilateral and 45% unilateral. There was 60.76% retinal vasculitis, 35.44% choroiditis, 21.52% serpiginous-like choroiditis, 17.72% vitreous hemorrhage, 12.66% posterior synechiae, 6.33% retinal detachment, and 3.80% choroidal granuloma. Treatment modalities included rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, oral steroid, posterior triamcinolone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitrectomy, and immunosuppressants. BCVA improved in 53.2% of eyes and remained stable in 32.9% of eyes. In the final model of multiple regression, worse initial BCVA, pyrazinamide, and receiving vitrectomy predicted better BCVA improvement. Ethambutol was associated with worse visual outcomes. Seven eyes experienced recurrence. Conclusions: This is the largest 10-year multicenter retrospective study of TBU in Taiwan to date, demonstrating the distribution of clinical manifestations and clinical associations with better treatment outcomes. The study provides a comprehensive description of TBU phenotypes in Taiwan and highlights considerations for the design of further prospective studies to reliably assess the role of ATT and vitrectomy in patients with TBU.

Clinical features and long-term treatment outcomes in choroidal tuberculoma

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical features and treatment outcomes of patients with choroidal tuberculoma.

METHODS

In this retrospective, observational case series, the medical records of five patients with choroidal tuberculoma who were followed up at a university hospital for at least 6 months were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of five patients, one was male and four were female. The overall mean age was 38.0 ± 9.4 years (mean follow-up: 41.2 ± 33.8 months). Tuberculin skin test was performed in three patients, and it was positive in two of them. Interferon-gamma assay was performed in two patients and was positive in all two. Three patients had systemic tuberculosis involving the lung or other organs. Five patients were treated with antitubercular therapy for a period of 9.6 ± 8.6 months. Systemic corticosteroid treatment was performed in 3 patients, with a period of 3.5 ± 0.7 months. One patient with a recurrent vascularized tuberculoma was successfully treated with single intravitreal bevacizumab injection.

CONCLUSION

Choroidal tuberculoma can develop without evidence of systemic tuberculosis and can recur despite antitubercular treatment. High index of suspicion is important in early detection, and management of choroidal tuberculoma. In cases of suspected choroidal tuberculoma, positive results on immunological tests would be sufficient to initiate antitubercular therapy even if radiological evidence of systemic tuberculosis is not found. Antitubercular therapy combined with systemic corticosteroids provided favorable results. Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor may be considered for highly vascularized choroidal tuberculoma.

Global prevalence and clinical outcomes of tubercular uveitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tubercular uveitis (TBU) is an inflammation/infection of the eye secondary to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The difficulty in making the diagnosis has resulted in variable prevalence and clinical response rates. We aimed to determine the global prevalence of TBU in uveitis patients stratified by TB high-burden countries (HBCs) and non-HBCs and by geographic regions and the clinical response of TBU to antitubercular treatment We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of TBU studies published in PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE, up to June 30, 2020. A random effects model was used for all meta-analyses. Of 5,018 articles identified, 70 prevalence studies (65,607 uveitis and 3,166 TBU cases) and 18 clinical outcome studies (1,570 TBU cases; 1,304 responded to anti-tubercular therapy [ATT]) were analyzed. The overall weighted prevalence of TBU was 4.0% (95% CI, 3-5); in TB HBCs it was 7.0% (95% CI, 5-11), non-HBCs 3.0% (95% CI, 2-4), and sub-Saharan Africa 11.0% (95% CI, 8-15). The overall weighted clinical response was 82.0% (95% CI, 75-89). Despite the difficulty in diagnosing TBU, the prevalence is expectantly higher in HBCs, and sub-Saharan Africa and the clinical outcome is poor. Standardization of diagnostic criteria and ATT is warranted in future cohort studies.

The Association between QuantiFERON-TB Gold Test and Clinical Manifestations of Uveitis in the United States

PURPOSE

To report the prevalence of QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) positivity among uveitis patients compared to general population and to evaluate the differences in clinical features of uveitis.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

SETTING: Institutional.

PATIENT POPULATION

418 consecutive new uveitis patients, regardless of clinical suspicion, were tested for QFT-G.

OBSERVATION PROCEDURES

Demographics, TB risk factors, clinical characteristics of uveitis were collected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The frequency of QFT-G positivity among uveitis patients and characteristic clinical features among QFT-G positive patients.

RESULTS

QFT-G positivity was found in 60/418 patients with uveitis (14.4%, 95% CI: 11.18 - 18.14) higher than the general US population (5%, 95% CI: 4.2 - 5.8, p<.001). Age, gender and residence were similar between QFT-G positive and negative groups. Uveitis patients with positive QFT-G were more likely to be foreign born or have a recent travel history (OR:5.84; 95% CI: 2.83 - 12.05; p<.001). QFT-G positive patients were more likely to present with granulomatous uveitis (OR 2.90; 95%CI 1.36 - 6.21; p=.006). No significant association was found with specific clinical features such as choroiditis, retinal vasculitis, occlusive vasculitis, and serpiginoid choroiditis (p>.05 for each). Prevalence of TB-uveitis based on treatment response was 1.19%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates significantly higher prevalence of QFT-G positivity among uveitis patients compared to average US population. Characteristic signs of TB uveitis reported in endemic countries were not seen in this cohort. Implications of higher prevalence of QFT-G positivity among uveitis patients require further investigation.

TUBERCULOUS CHOROIDITIS IN PATIENT WITH VOGT-KOYANAGI-HARADA DISEASE

PURPOSE

To describe a novel case of intraocular tuberculosis (TB) arising in a patient undergoing treatment for Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease, and to highlight the use of spectral domain optical coherence tomography for helping confirm the diagnosis and monitor treatment response.

METHODS

Case report of a patient with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease on prednisone, with acute clinical changes suspicious for bilateral tuberculous choroiditis. Spectral optical coherence tomography, fundus photography, and B-scan ultrasonography were all used to capture the acute lesions, and to monitor their responses after initiation of anti-TB therapy.

RESULTS

New subretinal lesions arose bilaterally, as characterized by spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and appeared to regress after a first round of anti-TB therapy, thereby helping confirm the presumed diagnosis of intraocular TB. A new peripheral choroidal lesion arose shortly after temporary cessation of antimicrobial treatment, and again regressed once four-drug therapy was instituted, with no recurrent lesions thereafter.

CONCLUSION

The use of multimodal imaging was instrumental in the management of a rare case of intraocular TB arising in the setting of underlying Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease.

Incidence of ocular inflammation among patients with active tuberculosis or nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in a tertiary hospital in Japan

PURPOSE

This study aimed to elucidate the incidence of ocular involvement among patients with active tuberculosis (TB) or nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection in a hospital in Japan.

METHODS

Patients with active TB or NTM infection at Yoshijima Hospital from April 2017 to July 2018 were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent ophthalmic examinations, including fundus evaluation under pupil dilation, before initiation of antibiotic therapy. Patients with ocular inflammation were regularly followed up by ophthalmologists.

RESULTS

In total, 101 patients with active TB and 27 patients with active NTM infection underwent ophthalmic examinations during the study period. Seven patients with TB (6.9%) had ocular inflammation; four had bilateral involvement. In these seven patients, ocular inflammation comprised anterior uveitis (n = 2), intermediate uveitis (n = 1), posterior uveitis (n = 4). Choroidal tubercles were observed in two patients with posterior uveitis. Female sex was associated with higher incidence of ocular inflammation among patients with TB. Conversely, no patients with NTM infection had ocular inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Ocular inflammation was present in approximately 7% of patients with active TB. Although TB choroiditis is presumed to be rare in Japan, approximately 30% of the patients with ocular inflammation exhibited choroidal lesions in this study. In contrast, no ocular inflammation was observed among patients with systemic NTM infection.

Retinal vasculitis with Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Concurrent presentation of retinal vasculitis with mixed sclerotic and lytic bone lesions is rare.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 37-year old woman with a several year history of episodic sternoclavicular pain who presented for rheumatologic evaluation due to a recent diagnosis of retinal vasculitis. We review the differential diagnosis of retinal vasculitis, along with the differential diagnosis of mixed sclerotic and lytic bone lesions. Ultimately, bone marrow biopsy confirmed diagnosis of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO). Concurrent presentation of CRMO with retinal vasculitis is extremely rare but important to recognize. The patient demonstrated clinical response to prednisone and tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibition (TNF-i).

Conclusion

This case reports and unusual presentation of CRMO spectrum disease involving the sternum and sternoclavicular joint with concurrent retinal vasculitis.

Transcriptional signatures of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in mouse model of intraocular tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Studies on human intraocular tuberculosis (IOTB) are extremely challenging. For understanding the pathogenesis of IOTB, it is important to investigate the mycobacterial transcriptional changes in ocular environment.

METHODS

Mice were challenged intravenously with Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and at 45 days post-infection, experimental IOTB was confirmed based on bacteriological and molecular assays. M. tuberculosis transcriptome was analyzed in the infected eyes using microarray technology. The identified M. tuberculosis signature genes were further validated and investigated in human IOTB samples using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Following intravenous challenge with M. tuberculosis, 45% (5/12) mice showed bacilli in the eyes with positivity for M. tuberculosis ribonucleic acid in 100% (12/12), thus confirming the paucibacillary nature of IOTB similar to human IOTB. M. tuberculosis transcriptome in these infected eyes showed significant upregulation of 12 M. tuberculosis genes and five of these transcripts (Rv0962c, Rv0984, Rv2612c, Rv0974c and Rv0971c) were also identified in human clinically confirmed cases of IOTB.

CONCLUSIONS

Differentially expressed mycobacterial genes identified in an intravenously challenged paucibacillary mouse IOTB model and presence of these transcripts in human IOTB samples highlight the possible role of these genes for survival of M. tuberculosis in the ocular environment, thus contributing to pathogenesis of IOTB.

Severe disseminated tuberculosis in HIV-negative refugees

In high-income countries, the presentation of tuberculosis is changing, primarily because of migration, and understanding the specific health needs of susceptible populations is becoming increasingly important. Although disseminated tuberculosis is well documented in HIV-positive patients, the disease is poorly described and less expected in HIV-negative individuals. In this Grand Round, we report eight HIV-negative refugees, who presented with extensively disseminated tuberculosis. We discuss the multifactorial causes, such as deprivations during long journeys, precarious living conditions, and the experience of violence, which might add to nutritional factors and chronic disorders, eventually resulting in a state of predisposition to immune deficiency. We also show that disseminated tuberculosis is often difficult to diagnose when pulmonary symptoms are absent. Communication difficulties between refugees and health-care workers are another major hurdle, and every effort should be made to get a valid patient history. This medical history is crucial to guide imaging and other diagnostic procedures to establish a definite diagnosis, which should be confirmed by a positive tuberculosis culture. Because many of these patients are at risk for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, drug susceptibility testing is imperative to guide therapy. In the absence of treatment guidelines for this entity, clinicians can determine treatment duration according to recommendations provided for extrapulmonary tuberculosis and affected organs. Paradoxical expansion of tuberculous lesions during therapy should be treated with corticosteroids. In many cases, treatment duration must be individualised and might even exceed 12 months.

Current Practices in Ocular Tuberculosis: A Survey of Brazilian Specialists

Purpose: To describe the approach of Brazilian specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis-associated uveitis (TBU).Methods: Members of the Brazilian Uveitis Society received an electronic invitation to participate in an online questionnaire.Results: Of the 169 invited specialists, 78 answered the questionnaire. Specialists evaluated 5.6 patients with TBU annually. Tuberculin skin test (TST, 81%) was primarily used for diagnosis. Patients with presumed TBU should always be tested for syphilis and HIV according to 51 (88%) and 47 (81%) of respondents, respectively. Chest computed tomography (CT, 72%) was preferable to chest radiography (CXR) for diagnosis. A positive TST (81%) and CXR (60%) were the main indicators of anti-tuberculous therapy, with 34%, 39%, and 14% of specialists treating for 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively.Conclusions: TST remains the preferred method for TBU diagnosis and prompt treatment by Brazilian specialists, though there is no consensus regarding disease treatment and management.

Papillitis and neuroretinitis of tuberculous etiology

A 57-year-old man with miliary tuberculosis reported visual loss in his right eye, a month after starting a four-drug antituberculous treatment regimen. On exploration, an inferior segmental optic disc edema was objectived and it was attributed to ischemic aetiology. Ethambutol was withdrawn and 60mg of oral prednisone daily were given with a tapering dosage. One and a half months later, he presented a sudden loss of vision in his left eye. In fundoscopy, a papillary edema accompanied by a foveal neurosensory detachment was observed but with no more accompanying uveitic signs. Treatment was intensified with moxifloxacin and corticosteroids were reduced, showing a resolution of the macular detachment but with optic atrophy. Isolated tuberculous involvement of the optic nerve may possible in the context of miliary tuberculosis. In this case, the adopted therapeutic approach to the initial papillitis, which was interpreted as ischemic, could favour the appearance of a neuroretinitis in the fellow eye.

Solid lipid nanoparticles for ocular delivery of isoniazid: evaluation, proof of concept and in vivo safety & kinetics

AIM

Evaluation of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for ocular delivery of isoniazid (INH).

MATERIALS & METHODS

INH-SLNs were characterized for morphological, thermal, crystalline and nuclear magnetic resonance properties. In vitro release and ex vivo corneal permeability of INH-SLNs was also evaluated. Proof-of-concept uptake studies were performed in corneal and conjunctival cell lines and in vivo in rat eye using fluorescein-labeled SLNs. Antimycobacterial activity of INH-SLNs was confirmed. In vivo aqueous humor pharmacokinetics, toxicity and tolerance was performed in rabbit/rat eye.

RESULTS

INH-SLNs showed extended release (48 h), enhanced corneal permeability (1.6-times), five-times lower MIC, significant in vitro and in vivo uptake of fluorescein-labeled SLNs, 4.2-times ocular bioavailability (area under the curve) and in vivo acute and repeat dose safety.

CONCLUSION

INH-SLNs are an effective ocular delivery system.

Antituberculous Treatment Itself Might Prevent Visual Impairment in Presumed Tuberculosis-Related Uveitis

Purpose: To study the risk factors for visual loss in presumed tuberculosis-related uveitis (TRU).Methods: Retrospective observational cohort study of patients with TRU, either treated or not for tuberculosis, from January 2005 to January 2017. Clinical and demographic variables were recorded. Main outcome measure was a loss of visual acuity (VA) of ≥2 Snellen lines. A Generalized Estimation Equation was used to control between-eyes bias. A backward stepwise logistic regression multivariate analysis was conducted to elucidate independent risk factors.Results: One hundred and thirty-eight eyes from 82 patients were included. There were 45 males, median age at onset of uveitis was 40 years (Interquartile range, IQR 24). The median follow-up was 36 months (IQR 49.75) and 51 patients completed antituberculous treatment (ATT) for a mean of 9.37 months. In the multivariate model, ATT was the only independent protective factor for loss of VA (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.04-0.37, p < 0.001).Conclusion: ATT itself may prevent visual loss in TRU.

Ophthalmic Presentation of Disseminated Tuberculosis with Relapse-Immunological Profile

TB as the cause of uveitis varies from 0.5 to 10.5%; low sensitivity of confirmatory laboratory investigations and inconsistency of diagnostic criteria leads to paucity of data. Diagnosis requires a high level of suspicion and is often presumptive based on indirect evidences. Interferon gamma, Interleukin-2 and Neopterin are key biomarkers in immuno-regulation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The relative shift from Interleukin-2 towards Interferon gamma (Interferon gamma/Interleukin-2) is more discriminatory for active tuberculosis. Protein carbonyl and Malondialdehyde, as oxidative stress markers, characterize active tuberculosis. A case of disseminated TB presenting with acute uveitis had a recurrent tubercular lymphadenitis after completing category I treatment under revised national tuberculosis control programme. The present study evaluates the potential utility of above mentioned biomarkers to predict atypical presentation in difficult cases of tuberculosis. Though tuberculous uveitis is amenable to treatment in early course of disease, the delay in diagnosis can have serious consequences for the patient.

Intraocular manifestations of mycobacterium tuberculosis: A review of the literature

Mycobacterium tuberculosis: is most commonly associated with pulmonary infection. However, tuberculosis (TB) can also affect the eye. TB can affect nearly any tissue in the eye, and a high index of suspicion is required for accurate diagnosis, as many of the intraocular manifestations of TB can mimic other, more common diseases. Correct diagnosis is critical because systemic anti-tuberculosis treatment may be required, and vision loss or even loss of the affected eye can occur without proper treatment. Thus, it is important for ophthalmologists and infectious disease specialists to work together to accurately diagnose and treat intraocular TB. This article reports the various known presentations of intraocular TB and reviews important elements of diagnosis and treatment.

Choroidal tuberculoma as a presenting sign of tuberculosis

Choroidal tuberculoma is a rare ocular form of tuberculosis (TB) that raises both a diagnostic and a therapeutical challenge, especially when occurring without other manifestations of the disease. This study reports the case of a 27-year-old woman who had a unilateral drop of vision (20/100) with ocular pain. Her fundus examination revealed an elevated juxtapapillary choroidal mass measuring 892 µm in diameter, as calculated by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and associated with a serous retinal detachment involving the macula. The diagnosis of choroidal tuberculoma was established by positive QuantiFERON-TB and tuberculin skin test. Laboratory and imaging workup ruled out pulmonary and systemic TB as well as other possible etiologies. Antituberculosis therapy was started and led to an improved visual acuity (20/30) and a shrinkage of the tuberculoma to a diameter of 499 µm at 3 months. This is one of the few reported cases of solitary choroidal tuberculoma in a patient with no other sign of TB. It sheds light on the place of OCT in the diagnosis and follow-up of the choroidal mass, in terms of measuring the size of the mass and revealing the associated serous retinal detachment and the distinctive “contact sign” between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)–choriocapillaris layer surmounting the tuberculoma.

Clinical Patterns and Causes of Uveitis in a Referral Eye Clinic in Qatar

PURPOSE

To determine the patterns and causes of uveitis in a referral eye clinic in Qatar.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on all cases of uveitis that presented to the Uveitis Clinic at Hamad Medical Corporation from March 2007 to February 2011. All patients had detailed ocular, medical examination, and uveitis work up.

RESULTS

The study included 310 patients. Anterior uveitis was noted in 53.2% of cases (165/310), followed by panuveitis 16.8% (52/310), intermediate uveitis 16.5% (51/310), and posterior uveitis 13.6% (42/310). Causes of uveitis were determined in 69.7% (216/310) of cases. The most commonly identified causes of uveitis in our study were presumed ocular tuberculosis (14.5%), Fuchs uveitis (11.0%), Behçet disease (7.4%), and VKH disease (6.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior uveitis is the most common anatomic/clinical form of uveitis in Qatar and the etiologic diagnosis of uveitis should focus in particular on presumed ocular tuberculosis, Fuchs uveitis, Behçet disease, and VKH disease.

Orbital and external ocular manifestations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A review of the literature

Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that most commonly affects the lungs. However, extrapulmonary manifestations of TB can affect the eye and surrounding orbital tissues. TB can affect nearly any tissue in the eye, and a high index of suspicion is required for accurate diagnosis. Systemic anti-tuberculosis treatment is required in cases of ocular TB, and steroids are sometimes necessary to prevent tissue damage secondary to inflammation. Delays in diagnosis are common and can result in morbidities such as loss of an affected eye. It is important for ophthalmologists and infectious disease specialists to work together to accurately diagnose and treat ocular TB in order to prevent vision loss. This article reports the various known presentations of orbital and external ocular TB and reviews important elements of diagnosis and treatment.

Tuberculosis or sarcoidosis: Opposite ends of the same disease spectrum?

Tuberculosis and sarcoidosis are chronic systemic diseases that have similar pulmonary and extra-pulmonary manifestations. Multiple studies have found an epidemiological, molecular, and immunological link between the two. It has been suggested that mycobacterium tuberculosis could be a common pathophysiologic mechanism for tuberculosis and sarcoidosis, and that both clinical entities can trigger similar immunological response in patients. Due to this close association, together with possible coexistence in the same patient, the diagnosis of one disease from another may be difficult. In our paper, we suggest that tuberculosis and sarcoidosis are two ends of the same spectrum. Given the pathophysiological and clinical link between the two, we also propose a classification system for tuberculosis and sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis (S); Sarcoid-Tuberculous (ST); Tuberculous Sarcoid (TS) and Tuberculosis (TB). More research and clinical trials should first be done to affirm the link between the two disease entities.

Role of the Infectious Disease Consultant in Management of Patients With Tuberculosis-Associated Ocular Inflammation

Tuberculosis-associated ocular inflammation is a difficult disease to diagnose and treat. In the US, being foreign born was the significant risk factor. 74% of treated cases had stable or improved vision. Infectious disease and ophthalmology should provide multidisciplinary care.

Background. Tuberculosis is a disease with continued worldwide prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. Tuberculosis-associated ocular inflammation (TB-AOI) is a manifestation that can occur with pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB. Evaluation of these ocular presentations and treatment in the United States are limited. Our objective was to describe cases in an urban area and assess the role of the infectious diseases specialist in managing these complex patients.

Methods. We performed a retrospective case series of all patients referred to our infectious disease clinic for presumed TB-AOI from 2005 through 2013. Patients with ocular inflammation were determined to have presumed TB-AOI based on clinical presentation with correlative positive tuberculin skin test and/or QuantiFERON-TB Gold. Attempts were made to exclude other diagnoses. Data were collected and analyzed with respect to demographics, ocular manifestations, and treatment.

Results. Sixty eyes of 42 patients were included in the study; anterior uveitis was the most common site of involvement. The median age was 46 years, and 33 patients (79%) were foreign born. Forty patients (95%) received a course of antituberculous therapy with 38% experiencing treatment-related side effects. A 6-month duration was recommended in 78% cases. There was improvement or stability of the vision in 42 eyes (74%) of those treated.

Conclusions. Ocular involvement is an uncommon but important manifestation of TB. Our data further characterize TB-AOI cases in the United States. Treatment provides significant benefit to properly selected patients. A multidisciplinary approach, with care provided by ophthalmology and infectious disease providers, should be used to allow for the most efficacious treatment.

Case report: atypical presentation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis uveitis preceding nodular scleritis

Background

Intraocular tuberculosis is uncommon and has various clinical presentations. Lack of specific clinical clues can make the diagnosis challenging. The purpose of this study is to report a clinical presentation of tuberculous iridocyclitis that mimics phacolytic glaucoma and has a distinctive inflammatory deposit in the inner side of the cornea. This report is the first to describe the progression of tuberculous iridocyclitis to nodular scleritis without evidence for extraocular tuberculous infection.

Case presentation

A 78-year-old, immunocompetent woman presented with subacute intraocular inflammation with high intraocular pressure, mimicking phacolytic glaucoma. Distinct pigment keratic precipitates were noted on the first visit. Even though the cataract extraction was uneventful and adequate anti-inflammatory drugs were given, the inflammation did not subside as expected. Seven weeks later, she developed two scleral abscesses, which were subsequently explored for microbiological investigation. The smears of the pus revealed positive acid-fast bacilli stain and PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Eventually, the pus culture grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Anti-tuberculosis medications were prescribed. After 1 month of treatment, the abscesses were cured. However, her visual acuity did not improve at the last visit.

Conclusions

This case revealed an unusual presentation and untreated course of tuberculosis iridocyclitis. Pattern of keratic precipitates may indicate the presence of tuberculosis.

Negative Mantoux test in a patient with definite pulmonary and ocular tuberculosis

The case is reported of a patient with pulmonary and ocular tuberculosis presenting with blurred vision in both eyes. A 27-year-old well-nourished male nursing-home resident with a previous history of traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage was brought to the ophthalmological clinic due to progressively blurred vision. His best-corrected visual acuity was 20/400 in the right eye with only light perception in the left eye. Fundus examinations revealed retinal segmental periphlebitis and hemorrhagic retinitis in the right eye and dense vitreous hemorrhage in the left eye. The Mantoux test was negative; however, the results of an interferon gamma release assay were positive. Ocular tuberculosis was suspected. Although he had never had any respiratory symptoms, his chest radiograph and computed tomography scan showed a multiple centrilobular glandular and ground-glass appearance with air-space consoli dations and atelectasis in both lower lobes. Pulmonary tuberculosis was confirmed by a positive acid-fast stain of a bronchial alveolar lavage sample. A GEN-PROBE amplified Mycobacterium tuberculosis direct test of the vitreous fluids was also positive. Ocular tuberculosis was confirmed. After treatment for tuberculosis and vitrectomies, his final best-corrected visual acuity improved to 20/30 in the right eye and 20/200 in the left eye. Ocular tuberculosis is rarely reported as the primary presentation of systemic tuberculosis in young patients. A negative Mantoux test may lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Doctors should become more familiar with the manifestations of systemic tuberculosis and use advanced diagnostic tools in cases of clinical suspicion.

Structural changes of the choroid in sarcoid- and tuberculosis-related granulomatous uveitis

AIM

The aim of this study is to characterise the choroidal features of patients diagnosed with sarcoid- and tuberculosis (TB)-associated granulomatous uveitis using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients (27 eyes) diagnosed with sarcoid- (13 eyes) and TB (14 eyes)-related uveitis were included in this retrospective, cross-sectional study. Over a six-month period, patients diagnosed with sarcoid and TB granulomatous uveitis were scanned using enhanced depth imaging OCT. Clinical and demographical characteristics were recorded, including the method of diagnosis, disease activity, site of inflammation (anterior or posterior), treatments, and visual acuity (VA). Manual segmentation of the choroidal layers was performed using custom image analysis software.

RESULTS

The main outcome measure was OCT-derived thickness measurements of the choroid and choroidal sublayers (Haller's large vessel and Sattler's medium vessel layers) at the macula region. The ratio of Haller's large vessel to Sattler's medium vessel layer was significantly different at the total macula circle in eyes diagnosed with TB uveitis (1.47 (=140.71/95.72 μm)) compared with sarcoid uveitis (1.07 (=137.70/128.69 μm)) (P=0.001). A thinner choroid was observed in eyes with a VA ≥0.3 LogMAR (Snellen 6/12; 198.1 μm (interquartile range (IQR)=147.0-253.4 μm) compared with those with VA <0.3 LogMAR (292.4 μm (IQR=240.1-347.6 μm)) at the total macula circle (P=0.004). At the foveal central subfield, the median choroidal thickness was 336.8 μm (IQR=272.3-375.4 μm) in active compared with 239.3 μm (IQR=195.3-330.9 μm) in quiescent disease (P=0.04).

CONCLUSION

A disproportionately enlarged Sattler's layer may indicate a diagnosis of sarcoid-related uveitis, and choroidal thickening may be a feature of active granulomatous uveitis.

Anterior tuberculous scleritis: A diagnostic challenge

CASE REPORT

We present the case of a 26 year-old Pakistani male, who after the presumptive diagnosis of anterior tuberculous scleritis (by an atypical clinical appearance and positive epidemiological link), was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis.

DISCUSSION

Nodular anterior scleritis is an uncommon presentation of tuberculosis (TB). It is considered a diagnostic challenge because of the difficulty to extract bacilli from the ocular tissue. However, a detailed medical history and eye examination can be the key to an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of the TB.

Bilateral choroidal tuberculoma in miliary tuberculosis - report of a case

BACKGROUND

A choroidal mass or granuloma is a feature of ocular tuberculosis (TB). Tubercles can arise in the early stages of progression of TB and indicate hematogenous dissemination before the development of symptomatic disease. Tubercular subretinal granuloma is responsive to treatment with anti-tuberculosis therapy, and prompt treatment helps resolve the lesion completely.

FINDINGS

We report a case of a solitary large active choroidal tuberculoma in one eye and multiple healed tubercles in the other. The patient was an immunocompetent girl with splenic and miliary TB and had a relatively asymptomatic systemic status. Aqueous humor analysis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was negative for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome. Based on clinical history and investigations, treatment with four-drug regimen of anti-tubercular treatment with concomitant corticosteroids was started, and total healing of the lesion occurred in 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This case highlights the fact that in some patients, analysis of the aqueous may not provide any clue to the confirmation of an active tubercular choroidal granuloma and an association between splenic tuberculosis and choroidal tubercles has never been reported in the past.

Rapidly blinding posterior tubercular uveitis

Background

A 21-year-old female patient had chorioretinitis in the left eye which relapsed while being on anti-tubercular treatment and oral corticosteroids leading to blindness and the loss of the left eye.

Findings

Mycobacterium tuberculosis causing chorioretinitis showed a poor response, and the lung lesions showed a good response to the same anti-tubercular treatment.

Conclusions

Mycobacterium tubercle bacilli in the eye may show a poor response to the anti-tubercular drugs due to poor ocular penetration of the drugs secondary to early ocular hypoxia.

The utility of routine tuberculosis screening in county hospital patients with uveitis

BACKGROUND/AIM

To evaluate the utility of tuberculosis (TB) screening in diagnosing ocular TB in uveitis patients in a government-funded hospital.

METHODS

The charts of 142 consecutive patients seen during August 2011-July 2012 at the Los Angeles County Hospital uveitis clinic were reviewed for manifestation/laterality of uveitis, purified protein derivative (PPD) test results, interferon γ release assay, chest x-ray, birthplace, treatment history and diagnosis. 'Presumed TB-uveitis' was diagnosed when patients had positive TB screening and favourable response to anti-TB therapy, and definite ocular TB when Mycobacterium tuberculosis' presence was demonstrated. Post-test probabilities were determined.

RESULTS

TB screening was positive in 21.1%. Six patients were diagnosed with TB-related uveitis: one definite, four presumed and one systemic TB with uveitis. With regard to PPD positivity, being foreign-born was the only statistically significant factor with OR of 2.26 (95% CI 1.01 to 5.13; p<0.01) if born in Mexico and 4.90 (95% CI 1.74 to 13.83; p<0.01) if born in other foreign countries. The post-test probabilities of a positive PPD in a uveitis patient showed a 17.2% (overall) or 30.3% (foreign-born patients) chance of ocular TB.

CONCLUSIONS

PPD skin test plays an important role in the diagnosis of TB-associated uveitis in high-risk groups, such as immigrants from TB endemic regions.

Profile of serpiginous choroiditis in a tertiary eye care centre in eastern India

Purpose:

To study the clinical profile of serpiginous choroiditis in eastern India.

Materials and Methods:

Ninety-one eyes of 54 patients with serpiginous choroiditis presenting to a tertiary care centre in eastern India between January 2006 and December 2010 were included in the study. Clinical presentation, treatment given, and visual outcome of the eyes were studied.

Results:

Thirty-five (64.8%) patients were male and 19 (35.2%) were female in the age group of 13-62 years (mean age: 34.1 ± 18.7 years). Blurring of vision (71; 78%) and floaters (36; 39.5%) were commonest symptoms. In 75 (82.4%) eyes, choroiditis started from optic nerve head and spreading centrifugally. Overall, 38 (41.75%) eyes had macular involvement at first visit. Mantoux test reading was 10 mm or more (Group A) in 12 (22.22%) patients and less than 10 mm (Group B) in 42 (77.77%) patients. Difference between Groups A and B in macular involvement at first visit (10; 50% vs. 28; 39.4%) and rate of recurrence (3; 15% vs. 14; 19.7%) was not statistically significant (P = 0.37 and 0.68). Oral steroid (51; 94.4%) was the commonest mode of treatment. Fifty-one (56%) eyes had two lines or more improvement in vision.

Conclusions:

The present study details the clinical presentation, treatment, and visual outcome of serpiginous choroiditis. Mantoux test reading does not affect the clinical presentation or the treatment outcome in these eyes.

Role of molecular diagnostics in ocular microbiology

Although microbial culture remains the gold standard for diagnosis of many ocular infections, the technique is limited by low yield, inability to detect certain organisms, and potentially long delays to results. DNA-based molecular diagnostic techniques use detection of specific nucleic acid sequences as evidence for presence of suspected pathogens. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a powerful molecular biology technique that allows for detection of fewer than 10 copies of pathogen genome. Recent technical advances in PCR have permitted quantitation of pathogen load using quantitative PCR (qPCR), and have permitted multiplexing of primer sets. Use of pan-bacterial and pan-fungal primers for ribosomal DNA sequences has allowed diagnosis of bacterial and fungal infections using molecular techniques. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the application of PCR to the diagnosis of anterior segment and posterior segment ocular infectious diseases.

Uveitis in mouse and man

Uveitis is underappreciated as a sight-threatening cause of blindness. There are two broad causative classes of uveitis: infectious and non-infectious. Non-infectious uveitis is considered a prototypical autoimmune disorder based mainly on data from experimental models in the mouse. Several different experimental models exist that reflect the different types of uveitis in man (anterior, intermediate, and posterior uveitis). These models have demonstrated that uveitis is predominantly a Th1/Th17 mediated disease, although innate immune cells play a significant role both in induction of disease and in tissue damage. Most experimental models of uveitis rely on activation of the innate immune system by use of adjuvants that activate a range of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs). This begs the question of the underlying role of initial and/or persistent infection, including latent infection, in immune-mediated uveitis in which active infection cannot be demonstrated. This further raises the possibility of pathogenic mechanisms such as antigenic cross-reactivity and molecular mimicry. Alternatively, residual/latent antigen from infectious agents may act as "endogenous" adjuvants for induction of immune reactions to damaged/altered self antigen, suggesting a commonality in pathogenesis for both infectious and non-infectious uveitis in man.

Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous uveitis in a low endemic setting

OBJECTIVE

To determine factors associated with the diagnosis of tuberculous uveitis and the response to anti-tuberculous treatment (ATT).

METHODS

A retrospective case study was performed at the University Medical Centre Utrecht between October 2007 and December 2009. Patients with possible tuberculous uveitis (TBU) were selected from all patients with an unexplained uveitis. Demographics, ethnicity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), tuberculin skin test (TST), QuantiFERON (QFT) test, and ocular findings were evaluated. An interdisciplinary panel discussed if there was a presumed TBU and decided to start treatment. When there was a decrease in intraocular cell count and/or improvement in visual acuity after ATT, the confirmation of presumed TBU was made.

RESULTS

Of 585 patients with unexplained uveitis, 66 (11.3%) fulfilled the definition of possible TBU. Ten (15.4%) patients were regarded as having presumed TBU and received ATT. All of them had latent tuberculosis (LTB). The ocular situation improved in seven patients (70%). A history of TB contact, abnormalities on chest radiology, and extraocular manifestations of TB were associated with a good response to ATT in the case of presumed tuberculous uveitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Tuberculous uveitis remains difficult to diagnose. No clearly correlating factors that predicted the response to ATT, including ocular parameters, could be identified.